Iconic Boston School Undergoes Building Enclosure Renovation

Josiah Quincy Elementary School gets multi-phase upgrades to modernize aging systems and extend building's service life.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Gale Associates, a consulting engineering firm, has announced the completion of a comprehensive building enclosure renovation of the iconic Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston's Chinatown. The multi-phase project, managed by Gale's Building Enclosure Consulting Group, included the design and replacement of roofs, plazas, windows, doors, and facade repairs to modernize the school's aging systems and extend the building's service life.

Why it matters

As an iconic school building in Boston's Chinatown, the Josiah Quincy Elementary School renovation project was crucial to updating the aging infrastructure and ensuring the facility can continue serving students and the surrounding community for years to come. The project highlights the importance of proactive building enclosure maintenance and upgrades for aging public facilities.

The details

The renovation project, which began in 2021, included the removal and replacement of the existing roof system with a new multi-ply roof membrane and pedestal system supporting concrete, rubber, and turf pavers. In 2022, Gale designed the replacement of windows and doors, as well as completing facade repairs. Several new plaza color schemes were also developed to enhance outdoor learning spaces and play areas. The roof plaza includes numerous cast-in-place concrete planters that required waterproofing to complete the building enclosure. Construction was completed in summer 2025, in time for the new school year.

  • Construction began in 2021 with the removal of the existing roof.
  • In 2022, Gale designed the replacement of windows and doors and completed facade repairs.
  • Construction was completed in summer 2025, in time for the new school year.

The players

Gale Associates, Inc.

A consulting engineering firm that was selected by the Boston Public Facilities Department as the lead design consultant for the Josiah Quincy Elementary School renovation project.

Josiah Quincy Elementary School

An iconic school building in Boston's Chinatown that underwent a comprehensive building enclosure renovation to modernize its aging systems and extend the building's service life.

The Architects Collaborative

The architectural firm that designed the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in 1974.

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The takeaway

The Josiah Quincy Elementary School renovation project demonstrates the importance of proactive building enclosure maintenance and upgrades for aging public facilities. By modernizing the school's infrastructure, the project ensures the iconic building can continue serving students and the surrounding Chinatown community for years to come.